There is an active paddling community within the ranks of our FOAC club members. We meet on a Saturday morning 1000-1300 at the centre. The session caters for a range of abilities and ages from complete novice to seasoned veterans.

We have a wide selection of craft available for you to try out. FOAC provide at least one coach for the session and more experienced members are happy to help you work on the skills you particularly want to improve.

We also have a pool session for club members at Loxford school swimming pool every Tuesday in term time from 8.30pm to 9.30pm, an excellent place to practice some of the wetter skills in a warm environment!

Fairlop Outdoor Activity Centre also provide British Canoe Union courses for young people and adults.

Have a Go Sessions (BCU Paddlesport Start):

A half day course aimed at providing a very basic introduction to paddlesport. Emphasis is very much on having fun in the boats. A fantastic course for those who have had little or no experience of canoeing or kayaking. Why not book in with your children who can get their PaddlePower Start certificate at the same time?

Experience Required: None

Dates: 7^th July, 18^th August

Cost: £40

Introduction to Paddlesport (BCU 1 Star):

A full day course to give an introduction to the skills needed to move a canoe or kayak effectively on the water. The course will also cover some simple theory on safety and equipment. Demonstrating a controlled capsize and swim from a boat is likely to be a part of this course. Satisfactory completion of the syllabus on the day will lead to candidates being awarded their BCU 1 Star award.

Experience Required:  Some previous experience in canoes or kayaks may be useful but is not essential

Dates: 8^th April, 20^th May, 24^th June, 11^th July, 19^th August

Cost: £70 + £5 cheque to Canoe England for certificate

Improvers Paddlesport (BCU 2 Star):

A 2 day course for those who have already got to grips with the basic skills in canoes and kayaks. The course will focus on improving skills in both canoes and kayaks with the aim of making candidates competent paddlers on flat water. The course will also introduce techniques for rescuing other paddlers from the water. Satisfactory completion of the syllabus will lead to candidates being awarded their BCU 2 Star.

Dates: TBC

Cost: £140 + £5 cheque to Canoe England  for Certificate

BCU Foundation Safety and Rescue Training (FSRT)

A 1 day course to provide a good grounding in safety and rescue techniques for paddlesport in a flat water environment. Attendance on FSRT course is a requirement for those who want to register to take a BCU coaching award.

Experience Required:  Candidates should be paddling at a 2 star standard in order to get the most from the award. Candidates should also be confident swimming wearing a buoyancy aid and be over the age of 14

Dates: TBC

Cost:    £70 to be paid to the centre as well as a cheque made payable to ‘Canoe England’ for certification (£5 for BCU members £10 for non BCU members)

Courses for Young People

PaddlePower Start:

A half day introduction to paddlesport with the emphasis on FUN! Learn the basics of canoeing or kayaking in a relaxed environment. Its possible to book as a family group so the adults do the Paddlesport Start at the same time

PaddlePower Passport

Aimed at under 14s this is a staged award, breaking the skills of the BCU 1 Star down in to manageable sized chunks. Completion of stage 5 is recognised as the equivalent to an adult’s BCU 1 Star.

Minimum age: 8

Experience required: None

Dates:

Cost: £105

PaddlePower Discover

Aimed at under 14s this is a staged award, moving on a level for those who have already gained their PaddlePower Passport. Completion of stage 9 is recognised as equivalent to an adult’s BCU 2 star.  

Experience Required: Paddlepower Passport

Dates: 4 mornings 9.15 -1.15 in school holidays: 2^nd- 5^th April, 10^th-13^th April